The end of IBKR + VT: a cheaper, safer, less US-dependent alternative

[Akia]

@leman

Switzerland’s legal culture developed over centuries under stable federalism and direct democracy, so people feel more ownership over the rules (because we vote on them directly). Balkan states have had legal orders repeatedly disrupted: Each rupture weakens the sense that “this is our law, made by us, that we should follow”. See Legal Culture as a Primary Resource for Rule of Law Resilience (Damjanovski, 2006).

I 100% agree on that, but I haven’t voted on IRS rules and I don’t think it’s smart to over-comply with rules from a (at least from a CH perspective) democratically flawed country. You do what you have to do to get them off of your a** and you can still keep all your Swiss duties. I am not cheating on my taxes here, I just think that, since the end result of US estate taxes will be 0$ for 99.99% of Swiss investors, might as well save all parties the trouble.

What I wonder in this regard is, how and if this really is enforced in practice - 60K USD is a very tiny amount investment wise.

[leman]

Maybe I took your question too literally (which I often do). @markus654 put it in a good way:

@markus654

Often, it’s not a question of whether the bank is safe or not. It’s also about whether the bank is located in the same country and operates under the same legal system / rules as you do. It’s easier in an worst case event like a legal dispute, inheritance matter, consultation, etc. etc.

Group-level correlations don’t tell you anything reliable about one specific individual, therefore I am saying this at the general level:

In our culture, many feel uncomfortable bending the rules or taking a chance in general; and would rather eliminate certain risks by completely avoiding US providers.

(It is of course easier to take this path now that we have competitive European alternatives.)

[Peppa]

@leman thank you very much for starting this thread and putting the time into so much details.

Could you explain me why you recommand an European ucit irish etf such as XALL/Xtrackers instead of an Us ucit irish etf such as VWRA / Vanguard?

[leman]

Thanks @Peppa but I didn’t recommend a specific fund. XALL, WEBG or UBS Core seem popular because they are better (meaning, much cheaper) than UCITS from Vanguard.

That said, my taste goes towards European providers because, like @Abs_max, I try to support more local jobs where I can. I also find it convenient to trade on our Swiss Exchange in Swiss Francs.

[xerox5003]

I think I just answered my own shower thought after falling deep into a rabbit hole.

[Ardius]

Should we merge ? New Vanguard European ETFs (2026) - #175 by Mirager

[Wolverine]

No? They’re different topics discussing different things? Or am I not understanding the question?

[Brndete]

It’s off-topic for both of the topics

No dedicated or recent EM thread, yet?

[Dr.PI]

Your wish is my command, milady!

[alby128]

@leman VALL/D are out with 0.07% TER. Time to update the original post?

[xmj]

It’s called VGLA / VGLD please retire “VALL” from your vocabulary

[alby128]

I am genuinely confused about this. It is indeed listed as VGLA on JustETF but Saxo lists it as VALL…

So, what is the real ticker?

EDIT: actually, both symbols are listed on JustETF

[Tony1337]

VALL is also a ticker that is used.

Type in VALL into IBKR and multiple listings come up.

Even a USD one at LSE

That being said, it‘s quite confusing with this many tickers.

btw spreads are really nice already for such a new fund.

This is my new default recommendation for basically everyone. The VT advantage is not so great anymore and depending on quite a few variables.

[Yanikuza]

I’m waiting for the CHF denominated one, if it occurs… If not, I will go for VWRL next year

[jks21]

VALL is quite tempting. Single UCITS ETF covering the whole market with very low TER.

Will stay though with VWRL+AVWS (with double TER!) hoping the complexity will pay off long term

[xmj]

i withdraw my statement and assert the contrary

It’s called VALL on every exchange except Deutsche Boerse
LSE also has the USD listing as VALU.

[xerox5003]

VALL is my preferred ticket and describes the ETF perfectly

Bought it at SIX couple of days ago. Spreads are indeed very, very nice!

[mbaluda]

Being traded in USD at SIX, it seems like the best replacement for ppl who already have VT (no extra exchange costs) ?

[evertruelife]

@mbaluda

Being traded in USD at SIX

can you buy it on IBKR via SIX?